Bord Snip Nua author supports cutting Child Benefit bill

A prominent economist has said that the Government is faced with three options in how to cut the Child Benefit bill in December's Budget.

Children's Minister Barry Andrews acknowledged yesterday it had to be looked at, and refused to rule out following the British example of withdrawing it from higher earners.

An Bord Snip Nua report author Colm McCarthy says its one of several areas that must be examined as the Government looks to save billions of euro to try and get the country's finances back on track.

"One is to make it taxable, two is means-tested and three is cut the rate," said the UCD economist.